Gunmen stormed a hostel in Saulsville, Atteridgeville in Pretoria on Saturday, killing at least 11 people including a three‑year‑old child, police said.

“I can confirm that a total of 25 people were shot,” police spokeswoman Athlenda Mathe said, adding that 14 had been hospitalised.

Police said the shooting occurred at around 04:00.

It is understood that the incident took place at a home being used as an informal tavern.

Receiving medical treatment

While 10 people died on the scene, police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed on Saturday that one more person had died in hospital, while 14 are currently receiving medical treatment.

“We are told it happened at around 04:15, but police were only alerted to it at around 06:00.

“We immediately mobilised our resources. We have forensic experts, ballistic experts, detectives and officers from the serious and violent crimes unit all on the ground.

“They are piecing together what may have led to the shooting,” Mathe told SABC News.

‘Shooting randomly’

Mathe said it is believed that at least three unknown gunmen entered the premises and started “randomly shooting”.

Among the dead is a three-year-old. A 12-year-old and a 16-year-old also died.

The shebeen’s owner was reportedly among the survivors.

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